Robert Slaughter is doing one of the hardest things in the world; opening up. His collection, The Prince of Red Roses, proves that not every person in the country is afraid to lay their thoughts on the line. Slaughter is a brave and compassionate individual who sheds light on his relationships, fears and desires. Representing the ever-expanding youth poetry culture of the Bay Area, he is one of many young people who, undefined by their age are picking up the pen and the mic and speaking their own important truths. In an era where grown men are afraid to cry, the poverty gap is expanding, and we face unprecedented environmental crises, but also in a country where we are free to express ourselves creatively, and for the first time in history a black man and a woman have very real chances at becoming our next president, it is critically important to keep reflecting and speaking. Sometimes the message is tender, sometimes political, but it is always relevant.

Robert acknowledges and celebrates his identity in the pages of his first manuscript. He describes the city, area, and country he lives in. And he takes the time to reflect on the painful and joyful experiences that have shaped him. When most people have trouble even touching pen to paper for the first time, he has cranked out pages and pages of poetry. The work that it takes alone is testament to the mettle of man. I have been lucky and happy to work with him as he has completed the process of compiling his first poetry collection. It is with pride I invite readers into a work of sweat, tears, and ink—the first and certainly not the last work from Robert Slaughter—welcome into The Prince of Red Roses.